Although treatment can help, vascular dementia can significantly shorten life expectancy. But this is highly variable and many people live for a number of years with the condition or die from some other cause.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, remember that you're not alone. The NHS and social services, as well as voluntary organisations, can provide advice and support for you and your family.

Causes of vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, which damages and eventually kills the brain cells.

This can develop as a result of:

narrowing and blockage of the small blood vessels inside the brain

a single stroke (where the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly cut off)

lots of "mini strokes" that cause tiny but widespread damage to the brain

In many cases, these problems are linked to underlying conditions – such as high blood pressure and diabetes – and lifestyle factors such as smoking and being overweight.

Tackling these might reduce your risk of vascular dementia in later life, although it's not yet clear exactly how much your risk of dementia can be reduced.